• Trimming and pruning are among the most important aspects of maintaining landscaping that includes trees and shrubs. Overgrown trees can make a yard look unkempt and present safety hazards. Infected branches can become a health hazard to a tree, and they should be removed to prevent diseases from spreading.
  
  

When to Trim and Prune

• Minor tree or shrub trimming that reduces seasonal growth can take place at any time of year. If a certain plant tends to produce a lot of growth during the summer or spring, you may need to trim it back or give it a "haircut" to keep it looking the way you want. Pruning, however, should be done during the dormant season for the tree. Pruning involves cutting woody growth from past seasons, like branches with substantial length and girth. Cutting during the dormant season helps you more easily see the structure of the tree and avoid spreading diseases.
  
  

Use the Right Tools for the Job

• The proper tools to use for a specific trimming or pruning job depends on the type of plant you are cutting and the size of the branches you cut. To trim a few inches new growth off a bushy tree or shrub, use a manual or automatic hedge trimmer. For small pruning jobs, a hand pruner is often sufficient. If you need to cut branches that are too large for a hand pruner, you should use a pruning saw. Pruning saws come in hand-held and pole-saw versions; pole saws can be used to cut high branches without using a ladder. The USDA recommends that chainsaws be used to cut branches that are thicker than 10 centimeters. If you use a chainsaw, wear tough work gloves, safety goggles, steel-toed boots and a hard hat to ensure your safety.
  
  

Pruning Technique

• The way you make pruning cuts might impact the health of a tree. Pruning cuts should be made so that the tissue of the main trunk or stem is not damaged. Making cuts that are very close or flush with the trunk can result in tree decay. The weight of a branch may cause bark to tear off the tree as you make a cut. To prevent this, cut a shallow notch on the bottom side of the branch about 5 inches from the trunk and then cut the branch off about 6 inches from the trunk. This takes weight off the branch and allows you to make a final cut closer to the trunk.